JP2021175682A - Absorbent article package with improved opening and reclosing performance - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a package which has a top lid capable of functioning as an effective package reclosing device and can be used to preserve an unused feed material of an article after opening.SOLUTION: A package storing a plurality of disposable absorbent article is formed by a flexible polymeric film and has a path of a perforation or a scouring defining a top lid opening structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

Hard-to-break, compressible consumer products such as disposable absorbent items (eg, diapers and training pants, disposable adult incontinence pants, and women's hygiene pads) are packaged in a soft package made of polymer film. It is often sold for retail sale (ie, displayed and sold at retail stores). Such a package can be formed of one or more sheets of polymer film that are fused and fused along a seam to bond a portion of the film by applying heating energy.

After opening the package of disposable absorbent goods and removing one or more items needed for immediate use, the consumer puts an unused supply of the remaining product in the package until the next additional item is needed. You may want to keep it for storage. Therefore, in order to maintain a useful state as a container for storing unused products, it is often desirable to maintain the shape and structural integrity of the package to some extent after opening. Furthermore, the package not only maintains its shape and structural integrity, but also protects unused products from airborne contaminants, especially in environments where high humidity and significant amounts of dust particles in the air can be present. It may be desirable to have the ability to reclose the package to the extent appropriate to help.

Conventional film package opening mechanisms have generally been unsatisfactory. Various conventional configurations of opening perforations do not provide an easy opening mechanism and / or tend to promote significant destruction of the package during opening, making it suitable for use as a storage container. Insufficient. To date, known reclosing mechanisms have not proven to be generally cost-effective for manufacturers operating in highly competitive markets.

Therefore, there is room for improvement in the film package opening mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of a disposable diaper-shaped disposable absorbent article with the surface facing the wearer facing the observer. It is a top view of the diaper of FIG. 1 which is shown by overlapping the side portions with respect to the crease of the side edge portion in the longitudinal direction and folding the side portions inward in the lateral direction. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the diaper shown in FIG. 2, which is folded around a lateral crease with the surface facing the wearer on the inside and the surface facing the outside on the outside. It is a side view of the edge of the folded diaper shown in FIG. 3A. It is a side view of the edge of the laminated body of a plurality of folded diapers such as the folded diapers shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. It is a perspective view of the laminated body of FIG. 4A. It is a perspective view of a film bag structure from which a film package can be formed. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a film package that can be used to accommodate a laminate of disposable absorbent articles such as the laminate shown in FIG. FIG. 5B is another perspective view of the film package shown in FIG. 5B. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a film package that can be used to accommodate a diaper laminate, such as the laminate shown in FIG. 4, showing the configuration of perforations or scoring pathways in one embodiment. An alternative embodiment of a film package that can be used to house a diaper laminate, such as the laminate shown in FIG. 4, showing the configuration of perforations or scoring pathways along the planes shown. It is a side view. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a film package that can be used to accommodate a diaper laminate, such as the laminate shown in FIG. 4, showing the configuration of a perforation or scoring pathway in another embodiment. A film package that can be used to house a diaper laminate, such as the laminate shown in FIG. 4, which shows the composition of the perforations or scoring pathways along the planes shown and also shows the measurement of canopy height. It is a side view of. FIG. 5 is a diagram of the end points of a perforation or scoring path, including a tear stress distribution mechanism. Accommodates a diaper laminate, such as the laminate shown in FIG. 4, which shows some possible configurations of perforations or scoring pathways and has an embodiment of a transport handle located in a first position. It is a perspective view of the film package which can be used for. Containing diaper laminates, such as the laminate shown in FIG. 4, which show some possible configurations of perforations or scoring pathways and have another embodiment of a transport handle located in a first position. It is a perspective view of the film package which can be used for this. Accommodates diaper laminates, such as the laminate shown in FIG. 4, which show some possible configurations of perforations or scoring pathways and have another embodiment of a transport handle located in a second position. It is a perspective view of the film package which can be used for this. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a film package that can be used to house a diaper laminate, such as the laminate shown in FIG. 4, showing some possible configurations and combinations of perforations or scoring pathways. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a film package that can be used to house a diaper laminate, such as the laminate shown in FIG. 4, showing some possible configurations and combinations of perforations or scoring pathways. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a film package that can be used to house a diaper laminate, such as the laminate shown in FIG. 4, showing some possible configurations and combinations of perforations or scoring pathways. It is the schematic plan view which shows the Example of the structure of the perforation. It is the schematic plan view which shows the Example of the structure of the perforation. It is the schematic plan view which shows the Example of the structure of the perforation. It is the schematic plan view which shows the Example of the structure of the perforation. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a perforated configuration showing measurements for determining a cut-land ratio.

Definition of term "Film" is a sheet structure having a length, width and thickness (caliper), each of which is significantly greater than the thickness, that is, 1000 times or more. A structure having one layer (single layer) or a plurality of adjacent layers (multilayers) in which each layer is a substantially continuous structure formed of one or more thermoplastic polymer resins (including a blend thereof). Means.

"High density polyethylene" (HDPE) means a type of polyethylene defined at a density of ^{0.941 g / cm 3 or higher.}

"Low density polyethylene" (LDPE) means a type of polyethylene defined at a density of ^{0.925 g / cm 3 or less.}

"Medium density polyethylene" (MDPE) means the type of polyethylene defined in the density range of ^{0.926 to 0.940 g / cm 3.}

In connection with disposable diapers, disposable absorbent pants, or women's hygiene pads, the "lateral direction" and its form are parallel to the waist edge when the article is worn and / or perpendicular to the wearer's standing height. Point in the direction.

"Linear low density polyethylene" (LLDPE) is a low density characterized by substantially linear polyethylene with a significant number of short branches, generally produced by copolymerization of ethylene with long chain olefins. Means the type of polyethylene. Linear low-density polyethylene is structurally different from conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) because it does not have long-chain branches. The linearity of LLDPE is due to the different manufacturing processes of LLDPE and LDPE. Generally, LLDPE is produced at low temperature and low pressure by copolymerization of ethylene with a higher α-olefin such as butene, hexene or octene. The copolymerization process produces an LLDPE polymer that has a narrower molecular weight distribution than conventional LDPE and, in combination with a linear structure, has significantly different rheological properties.

In connection with disposable diapers, disposable absorbent pants, or women's hygiene pads, the "longitudinal direction" and its form are perpendicular to the waist edge and / or parallel to the wearer's upright height direction when wearing the article. Point in the direction.

In relation to the weight fractionation or weight percent quantification of the constituents of the polymeric resin composition forming the film or layer thereof, "mainly" (or its form) is that the constituents are the entire constituents of the composition. It is meant to constitute the largest weight fraction or weight percent of the components.

Package; Packaging Film With reference to FIGS. 1-5C, the retail package 49 of the non-breakable and compressible disposable absorbent article 10 (eg, disposable diapers, training pants, or adult incontinence pants) is formed from a polymer film. Can be done. The film layer may be a single layer (single layer), or may have two layers, three layers, or more layers (multilayers). The multilayer film can have, for example, an outer skin layer formed of the first polymer and an inner skin layer formed of the second polymer. (As used herein, the terms "outside" and "inside" refer to the positioning of the layers with respect to the inside and outside of the finished package, and thus the "inner layer" faces the contained product and is the "outer layer". "Has an outer surface that faces outward and is exposed to viewing and contact by, for example, retail shoppers.)

1 to 3 show an embodiment of a disposable diaper having front and rear lumbar edges 11 and 12 continuously opened / unfolded and folded. 4A and 4B show a stack of multiple disposable diapers, such as those shown in FIGS. 1-3. When packaging in large quantities, each of the plurality of disposable diapers, such as those shown in FIG. 1, has a longitudinal lateral edge, as can be seen from the comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the first possible step. The longitudinal side portions thereof can be overlapped around the crease 20 and folded inward in the lateral direction. Subsequently, in the second step, the diaper can be folded longitudinally about a lateral crease 22 passing through the crotch area of the diaper, as can be seen from the comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3. In the bi-fold configuration as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, the article may be folded once in the longitudinal direction and, in some embodiments, substantially in half around the lateral fold. In a tri-fold configuration (not shown), the article may be folded twice in the longitudinal direction around two laterally spaced lateral folds. In some embodiments, the tri-fold configuration may have articles that are substantially tri-folded around two longitudinally spaced lateral folds.

Whether the article is in a bi-fold or tri-fold configuration, a folded article, such as a folded diaper 10, has a single fold tip 30 that defines at least one edge of the folded article. And has a fold tip corner 32 and left and right edges 34, 35 (in the tri-fold embodiment, a single fold tip can define each of the edges of the folded article. Will be understood). In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the fold tip 30 is the crotch area of the article (the intermediate area of the article adapted to be located between the wearer's legs during wear). May be in close proximity to. The folded article has a fold width FW measured as the distance between the side edges and a fold height FH measured as the distance between the edge edges. A plurality of folded articles as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are subsequently arranged in the same orientation and then neatly stacked face to face, and the laminate 40 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. May be formed. In another embodiment (not shown), the first set of plurality of folded articles may have its fold tips oriented along one side of the laminate and the plurality of folds. A second set of articles may have its folded tips that are rotated 180 degrees and placed along the opposite side of the laminate. In some embodiments, the first set of articles and the second set of articles may appear in alternating order within the laminate. In order to save space in packaging, packing, shipping, and shelving allocation, the laminated body 40 may be compressed with a desired degree of compression along the laminated body direction SD.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the laminate 40 has a laminate height SH substantially corresponding to the folding height FH of each folded article and a laminate substantially corresponding to the folding width FW of each folded article. The body width SW was measured along the stacking direction SD from the first outer side surface 36 of the first article of the laminate to the opposite second outer side surface 37 of the last article of the laminate. It will have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped form with a laminated body length SL. The laminate 40 may have a first side surface 41 and a second side surface 42 facing the first side surface 41, one or both of which are defined by a substantially aligned fold tip of the folded article in the laminate. .. The laminate 40 may have third and fourth side surfaces 43, 44 facing each other, both of which are defined by substantially aligned side edges 34, 35 of the folded article in the laminate. The laminate 40 may have fifth and sixth side surfaces 45, 46 facing each other, each of which is a surface on the first and second outer surfaces of the first and last articles at each end of the laminate. It is defined by one of the surfaces 36, 37.

With reference to FIG. 5A, the bag structure 47 is properly folded to form bag gussets 52b, 53b, which are then joined along the portions by adhesion to form two side seams 52a, 53a on both sides. Formed from a single sheet of film material that is seamless on the first package surface 50 and forms a bag structure 47 (eg, a gusset bag structure) that is open at the other end 48. can do. The bag structure can then be filled by inserting a product such as a diaper laminate 40 from the open end 48. In the first embodiment, the diaper laminate 40 may first insert the first side surface 41 so that the folded tip portion in the package is adjacent to the first package surface 50 after insertion. In another embodiment, the diaper laminate 40 has the first side surface 41 last (ie, the second side surface 42) so that the folded tip in the package is adjacent to the second package surface 51 after insertion. May be inserted first). As can be seen from FIGS. 5B and 5C, the open end 48 on the opposite side of the first package surface 50 is subsequently folded appropriately to form a closing gusset 51a, the film edges are joined, and these are integrated. It may be closed by adhering to and forming an end seam 51b and a second package surface 51. The dimensions of the bag structure 47 and the laminate 40 are such that the film of the package is taut around the laminate at least along the stacking direction SD to hold the individual diapers 10 in place within the laminate 40. Appropriate selection and achievement through design, folding, lamination, compression, and packaging processes to maintain compression of the laminate and thus maintain a well-organized and stable rectangular parallelepiped shape of the laminate 40 and, as a result, the package 49. You may. Since the package 49 is made of a flexible polymer film, the film is loosened when the package film is taut or otherwise loosened if it is appropriately dimensioned with respect to the dimensions of the laminate 40. When all of the components are pressed against the laminate, the package 49 generally takes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and dimensions of the laminate 40. When the package film is taut around the laminate along a direction approximately parallel to the laminate direction to help maintain laminate compression along the laminate direction, the package is laminated length. It has a package length PL substantially corresponding to SL and a package width substantially corresponding to the laminated body width SW. When the package structure is sized so as not to provide headspace adjacent to one or both of the first and second sides 41, 42 of the packaged laminate 40 (ie, the package 49 is formed). After that, there is no slack in the package film adjacent to the first and second side surfaces 41 and 42 of the laminate), and the package has a package height PH substantially corresponding to the laminate height SH. However, in some embodiments, the film package structure has headspace, such as those that may be desirable to provide a canopy structure (discussed below) with additional height and stacking capability, and it. Corresponding sagging films may be sized to provide adjacent to one or both of the first and second sides 41, 42 of the laminate 40.

For those referenced above, the left and right side edges 34, 35 of the diaper folded within the laminate 40, as well as the third and fourth side surfaces 43, 44 of the corresponding laminate 40, are fifth. And / or adjacent to the sixth package surfaces 54 and 55. The size of the laminate and the configuration and dimensions of the bag can be selected so that the fifth and sixth package surfaces 54 and 55 are the largest surfaces or the front and rear "faces" of the package. It may be desirable. In this configuration, when the film of the package is taut around the laminate, the films of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth package surfaces 52, 53, 54, and 55 are the first surface 50. It is pulled along a direction substantially parallel to the substantially plane of the laminate 40 and serves to maintain at least a partial compression of the laminate 40 along the stacking direction SD.

In some embodiments, the film material is supplied with pre-printed product information of the desired commercial artwork, graphic, trademark (s) and / or language or graphic prior to forming the bag structure. You may.

The bond forming any or all of the seams such as seams 52a, 53a, 51b may be made by welding (here, "welding" means at least partially melting a separate portion of the film. Directly or indirectly (eg, ultrasound) that are allowed to fuse to some extent to form a coupling region, junction, or seam that cannot be separated unless the rest of one or both welds are severely disrupted. Refers to the fusion between the separated parts of the film material achieved by the application of heating energy and pressure). If the bag forming and / or packaging mechanism forms a weld in the film that joins the film material to itself by applying heating energy that fuses the film to itself, then the film material is a multilayer film. , The layer to be contacted and fused is formed from a polymer (s) having a lower melting temperature (s) than the polymer (s) used to form the other layers (s). May be desirable. This is sufficient to heat the contacting layers (s) to fuse them together, but causes unwanted dissolutions and deformations in the other layers (s), making the package awkward and / or It is possible to apply heating energy to a degree that is not sufficient to shift and / or distort the print on the film material.

The multilayer film may be co-formed (such as by co-extrusion), or in another embodiment, the individual layers are individually formed and then laminated integrally with a suitable laminating adhesive. You may. In this latter embodiment, the advantage provided is that it is possible to print on one side of one of the layers prior to stacking. The printed sides are then laminated to preserve the integrity of the printed image, graphics, linguistic content, etc., protected from abrasion and wear by other layers (s) in the finished film product. The inside may be facing inward (facing other layers (s)). Suitable multilayer films can be formed from one or more polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene. In one embodiment, the material film may have at least two layers, including a first layer primarily of polyethylene and a second layer primarily of polypropylene. In one embodiment, a first layer mainly formed of polypropylene having a relatively high melting temperature and a second layer mainly made of polyethylene having a relatively low melting temperature are used as outer layers, respectively. And an inner layer can be formed. In another embodiment, the inner layer may be formed primarily from first type polyethylene with a relatively low melting temperature and the outer layer from a second type polyethylene with a relatively high melting temperature. It may be formed mainly.

Multilayer films may be preferred for applications such as those described herein. The multilayer film can have a layer of a polymeric composition specifically selected for the properties it imparts to the film. For example, one or two outer skin layers may have, for example, surface gloss, printability, smooth feel, suppleness, low noise generation (during consumer handling and operation), relatively low melting temperature and fusion / It may be formed from a composition selected for weldability, or any combination of these properties. One or more intermediate layers, for example, tensile strength, stiffness, strength, inclusion suitability of compounded recycled materials, environmental friendliness and / or sustainable material availability, relatively high melting temperature, It may be formed from a composition selected for coextrusion compatibility with adjacent layers (so that strong interlayer bonding occurs during coextrusion) or for any combination of these properties. For film materials where only one side of the film is placed and welded in contact with itself, a two-layer film may be sufficient. For film materials in which both sides of the film are arranged and welded in contact with themselves, a film having at least three layers in which the two outer skin layers are weldable may be desired. It will be appreciated that packages with the configurations shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C require both sides of the film to be welded to themselves (generally on the outer surface of the film at positions 51a, 52b, and 53b of the film). And generally along the inner surface of the film along all other parts of the seams 51b, 52a, and 53a).

Film Composition The multilayer film can include a first outer skin layer, a second outer skin layer, and an intermediate layer arranged between these skin layers.

Each layer can include a base polymer. Base polymers can include polyolefins, especially polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutadiene, polypropylene / ethylene interpolymers and copolymers having at least one olefinic component, and any mixture thereof. Specific polyolefins include linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), isotactic polypropylene, random polypropylene copolymers, improved impact resistance. Polypropylene copolymers and other polyolefins described in WO 99/20664, 2006/047374, and 2008/086539 can be mentioned. Other base polymers such as polyester, nylon, polyhydroxyalkanoates (or PHA), copolymers thereof, and combinations of any of the above may also be suitable. Further, the polyolefin plastomer and the elastomer can be used to form a multilayer polymer film. Examples of such suitable polyolefin plastomers and elastomers are US Pat. No. 6,258,308, US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0159167 (A1), and International Publication Nos. 2006/047374 and 2006/017518. It is described in. In one embodiment, the strained polyolefin plastomer and / or elastomer may occupy up to 25% by volume of the multilayer polymer film. Other useful polymers include poly-α-olefins such as those described in WO 99/20664 and the references cited therein.

In some embodiments, one or both of the skin layers may be formed primarily from MDPE, LDPE, or LLDPE, more preferably from LLDPE. The skin layer, which is mainly formed from LLDPE, has weldability, relatively low melting temperature, printability (compatibility with currently commercially available printing inks), smooth surface finish, low noise, and softness. It may be particularly preferred to provide a good combination of supple feel. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer may be formed primarily from HPDE, MDPE, or LDPE, more preferably from MDPE.

The intermediate layer, which is mainly formed from MDPE, imparts a relatively high dissolution temperature, coextrusion compatibility with the skin layer (s), suppleness, strength, and a good combination of tensile strength to the intermediate layer. Therefore, it may be particularly preferred for one or more skin layers formed primarily from LLDPE.

In an alternative embodiment, the intermediate layer is one of the polymers identified above, or, for example, US Pat. Nos. 9,169,366, and 5,261,899, and US Patent Application Publication. Any polymer identified as suitable for the intermediate layer in 2015/03433748, 2015/010467, and 2012/0237746, such as polylactic acid and thermoplastic starch. It may be formed in part or primarily from a thermoplastic polymer other than polyethylene, including, but not limited to, the biopolymers described in the latter three published literature or polymers with biobased contents. In addition, the intermediate layer can contain any of the above types of regenerated thermoplastic polymers.

For the purpose of economically balancing the amount of polymer used and maximizing the tensile strength of the film, the total caliper of the film should be in the range of 40 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 50 μm to 90 μm, even more preferably 60 μm to 80 μm. It may be desirable to have. For the purpose of economically balancing the amount of polymer used, tensile strength and weldability, the three-layer films described herein are first and second, respectively, which make up 15% to 35% by weight of the film. It may be desirable to have a skin layer and an intermediate layer that comprises 30% to 70% by weight of the film.

Bonding Layers The multilayer films considered herein may include one or more bonding layers arranged between other layers. Bonding layers may be required if the polymers in the adjacent layers are not miscible or compatible to otherwise bond to each other during extrusion. For example, a bonding layer between a polyethylene skin layer and an intermediate layer with a high polylactic acid content may be considered desirable. Therefore, for example, in a multilayer film having three main layers (two skin layers and an intermediate layer arranged between them), the binding layer can be arranged between each skin layer and the intermediate layer. The binding layer can contain one or more functionalized polyolefins. In some embodiments, the bond layer is 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 20% by weight, 30% by weight, 40% by weight or 45% by weight to 55% by weight, 60% by weight, 70% by weight of the bond layer. It can contain 80% by weight, 90% by weight, or 100% by weight of one or more functionalized polyolefins. The bond layer may be composed essentially of one or more functionalized polyolefins.

For example, due to the significant difference in polarity between polylactic acid (PLA) and polyolefin, blending of these components typically results in an incompatible system with inferior physical characteristics. A multilayer film having a skin layer mainly made of polyethylene sandwiching an intermediate layer containing PLA can also include one or more bonding layers between the skin layer and the intermediate layer. This particular multilayer structure can provide MD and / or CD tensile properties useful for products currently manufactured from polyethylene, while incorporating renewable raw materials (PLA). This arrangement also allows for film down-gauging (ie, reduced calipers or reduced basis weight) resulting from improved stiffness, which can be used to promote sustainability and / or cost. It can be used as a savings.

The binding layer is provided by a polar component provided by one or more functional groups compatible with the PLA of the intermediate layer (s) and an olefin compatible with one or more polyolefins of the adjacent skin layer. It can contain a functionalized polyolefin having a non-polar component. The polar component can be provided, for example, by one or more functional groups, and the non-polar component can be provided by an olefin. The olefin component can generally be formed from any linear or branched α-olefin monomer, oligomer, or polymer (including copolymer) derived from the olefin monomer. The α-olefin monomer typically has 2 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable monomers are ethylene, propylene, butene, pentane, hexene, 2-methyl-l-propene, 3-methyl-l-pentene, 4-methyl-l-pentene, and 5-methyl-l-hexene. However, it is not limited to these. Examples of polyolefins include both homopolymers and copolymers, ie polyethylene, ethylene copolymers such as EPDM, polypropylene, propylene copolymers, polymethylpentene polymers.

Examples of the olefin copolymer may include styrene, vinyl acetate, diene, or a small amount of non-olefin monomers such as acrylic and non-acrylic monomers. Various known techniques can be used to incorporate functional groups into the polymer backbone. For example, a monomer containing a functional group may be grafted onto a polyolefin main chain to form a graft copolymer. Such graft techniques are known in the art and are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,179,164. In other embodiments, functional group-containing monomers may be copolymerized with olefin monomers to form block or random copolymers. Regardless of the method of incorporation, the functional groups of the phase solvent include carboxyl groups, acid anhydride groups, acid amide groups, imide groups, carboxylate groups, epoxy groups, amino groups, isocyanate groups, groups having an oxazoline ring, hydroxyl groups, etc. It may be any group that provides a polar segment for such molecules. Maleic anhydride-modified polyolefins are particularly suitable for use in the present invention. Such modified polyolefins are typically formed by grafting maleic anhydride onto the polymer backbone material. Such maleinated polyolefins are P-series (chemically modified polypropylene), E-series (chemically modified polyethylene), C-series (chemically modified ethylene vinyl acetate), A-series (chemically modified ethylene acrylate copolymer or tarpolymer), or N-series (chemically modified ethylene acrylate copolymer) or N-series (chemically modified ethylene acetate copolymer). Fusabond trade names such as modified ethylene-propylene, ethylene-propylene diene monomer (“EPDM”), or ethylene-octene). I. It is available from duPont de Nemours and Company. Alternatively, maleic polyolefins are available from Chemtura Corp under the trade name POLYBOND and from Eastman Chemical Company under the trade names Eastman G-series and AMPLIFYTM GR functional polymers (maleic anhydride grafted polyolefins). Other examples include LOTADER AX8900 (polyethylene-methylacrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer) and LOTADER TX 8030 (polyethylene-acrylic acid ester-maleic anhydride terpolymer) available from Arkema, Columbes (France).

In some embodiments, the binding layer may be the resin composition disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,114,522. Examples of this resin composition include modified PO resin and terpene resin. Alternatively, this includes polylactic acid-based resins, modified polyolefin-based resins, and hydrogenated petroleum-based resins. These compositions are suitable for use as a bonding layer between the outer layer and the core layer.

In some embodiments, the outer layer and the binding layer can be essentially combined as an outer layer by incorporating the functionalized polyolefin in one or both of the outer layers. In these cases, the multilayer film may include 3 or 4 layers. In the case of a three-layer film, the film comprises a first outer layer containing a polyolefin and / or a functionalized polyolefin, one or more core layers, and a second outer layer containing a polyolefin and / or a functionalized polyolefin. Can be done. In the case of a four-layer film, the film can include a first outer layer containing polyolefin and / or functionalized polyolefin, one or more core layers, a bonding layer, and a second outer layer containing polyolefin. ..

Additives Each layer of the multilayer film can contain a small amount of one or more additives. Typically, the additive is about 10% by weight, 5% by weight, 4% by weight, 3% by weight, 2% by weight, 1% by weight, 0.5% by weight, 0.1% by weight of the additive layer. Alternatively, it may constitute less than 0.01% by weight. Some non-limiting examples of the types of additives conceived include fragrances, dyes, pigments, nanoparticles, antistatic agents, fillers, and combinations thereof. The layers disclosed herein may contain a single additive or a mixture of additives. For example, both fragrances and colorants (eg pigments and / or dyes) may be present.

The pigment or dye may be an inorganic substance, an organic substance, or a combination thereof. Specific examples of pigments and dyes conceived are Pigment Yellow (CI14), Pigment Red (CI48: 3), Pigment Blue (CI15: 4), Pigment Black (CI15: 4). CI7) and combinations thereof can be mentioned. Specific conceived dyes include water-soluble ink colorants such as direct dyes, acid dyes, basic dyes, and various solvent-soluble dyes. Examples are FD & C Blue 1 (CI 42090: 2), D & C Red 6 (CI 15850), D & C Red 7 (CI 15850: 1), D & C Red 9 (CI 15585). 1), D & C Red 21 (CI 45380: 2), D & C Red 22 (CI 45380: 3), D & C Red 27 (CI 45410: 1), D & C Red 28 (CI) .45410: 2), D & C Red 30 (CI 73360), D & C Red 33 (CI 17200), D & C Red 34 (CI 15880: 1), and FD & C Yellow 5 (CI 15880: 1). 19140: 1), FD & C Yellow 6 (CI 15985: 1), FD & C Yellow 10 (CI 47005: 1), D & C Orange 5 (CI 45370: 2), and combinations thereof. However, it is not limited to these.

Possible fillers include, but are not limited to, inorganic fillers such as oxides of magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and titanium. These materials can be added as inexpensive fillers or processing aids. Other inorganic materials that can function as fillers include hydrated magnesium silicate, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, clay, chalk, boron nitride, limestone, diatomaceous earth, mica, glass, quartz, and ceramics. Further, an inorganic salt containing an alkali metal salt, an alkaline earth metal salt, and a phosphate can be used. In addition, alkyd resins can also be added to the composition. The alkyd resin may contain polyols, polyacids or anhydrides, and / or fatty acids.

Further conceivable additives include nucleating agents and clarifying agents for thermoplastic polymers. Suitable examples of polypropylene are, for example, benzoic acid and derivatives (eg, sodium benzoate and lithium benzoate), and kaolin, talc, and zinc glycerolate. Dibenzylideneacetone sorbitol (DBS) is an example of a usable clarifying agent. Other nucleating agents that can be used are organic carboxylates, sodium phosphate, and metal salts (eg, aluminum dibenzoate). In one aspect, the nucleating agent or clarifying agent can be added in the range of 20 parts per million (20 ppm) to 20,000 ppm, 200 ppm to 2000 ppm, or 1000 ppm to 1500 ppm. The addition of nucleating agents can be used to improve the tensile and impact properties of the final composition.

Further conceived additives include slip agents for the purpose of reducing the coefficient of friction of one or both of the two outer surfaces of the film, or as an anti-blocking agent. Suitable additives for this purpose include, but are not limited to, fatty acid amides such as ercamido.

Additives may also include BHT and IRGANOX products, such as antioxidants such as IRGANOX 1076 and IRGANOX 1010. IRGANOX products are available from BASF Corporation (Florham Park, NJ, USA). Antioxidants can help reduce deterioration of the film due to oxidation, especially during treatment.

Conceivable surfactants include, for example, US Pat. Nos. 3,929,678 and 4,259,217, and European Patents No. 414549, International Publication No. 93/08876, and No. 93. Examples thereof include an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, or a combination of an anionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant, such as the surfactant disclosed in No. 08874, and a combination thereof.

Possible nanoparticles include metals, metal oxides, carbon homogens, clays, organically modified clays, sulfates, nitrides, hydroxides, oxidation / hydroxides, particulate water-insoluble polymers, silicates, phosphorus. Examples include acid salts and carbonates. Examples include silicon dioxide, carbon black, graphite, grapheme, fullerene, expanded graphite, carbon nanotubes, talc, calcium carbonate, bentonite, montmorillonite, kaolin, zinc glycerolate, silica, aluminosilicates, boron nitride, Aluminum nitride, barium sulfate, calcium sulfate, antimony oxide, feldspar, mica, nickel, copper, iron, cobalt, steel, gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, wollastonite, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, Examples thereof include zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, tin oxide, iron oxide (Fe203, Fe304) and mixtures thereof. Nanoparticles can enhance the strength, thermal stability, and / or wear resistance of the compositions disclosed herein and can also impart electrical properties to the composition.

An antistatic agent that can be conceived is a fabric softener that is known to have an antistatic effect. These include, for example, fabric softeners having an aliphatic acyl group such as N, N-di (tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl) -N, N-dimethylammonium methyl sulfate having an iodine value of more than 20. And so on.

In certain embodiments, the filler can include a renewable filler. These include lipids (eg, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated castor oil), cellulose (eg, cotton, wood, hemp, paperboard), lignin, bamboo, straw, grass, kenaf, cellulose fibers, chitin, chitosan, flax. , Chitin, algae filler, natural rubber, nanocrystalline cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, collagen, whey, gluten, and combinations thereof, but are not limited thereto.

Specific combinations of film layers, film layer compositions, and pigment additives to provide the film with an effective balance of weldability, tensile strength, and cost performance while maximizing the opacity of the packaging film. The disclosure is described in International Application PCT / CN2016 / 088098, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Opening Mechanism With reference to FIGS. 6A and 7A, the film package containing the laminate of disposable absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, training pants, or adult incontinence pants is provided with an unused package after opening. It can be imparted with features that facilitate opening of the package without unwanted deformation or destruction so that it can be used as a container for storing things.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A, the package may include perforations or scoring pathways 60 in the film. Path 60 may be continuous. (For purposes herein, a perforated or scoring "continuous" pathway is a single pathway of individual continuous, mechanically generated partial or complete perforations, individual. A single path of continuous, laser-scored partial or complete perforations, or perforated / unscored portions of film with a length greater than 8 mm between continuous perforations or scoring. It is a continuous single path of laser scoring that is not interrupted by.)

The individual perforations defining the path 60 may have any configuration suitable for propagating crevices in the package film along the path. Non-limiting examples are shown in FIGS. 15A-15D. If the perforation path 60 includes multiple individual mechanically generated perforations or perforations scored by individual lasers, the path is at least 0.67: 1 and 3: 1 or less cut-land. It may be desirable to have a ratio. For the types of film packages conceived herein, a cut-land ratio within this range provides ease of package opening and minimization of film distortion deformation along the path during opening. Avoid premature accidental rupture or opening of the package and maintain structural integrity of the package during shipping, handling, and other events prior to consumer purchase and intentional opening at the retail store. It is thought to strike a balance between what to do and what to do. (For the purposes of this specification, the "cut-land ratio" of a perforation path is a film between a set of perforation lengths extending along the path direction and a continuous perforation. It is the ratio to the set of the minimum distances of the perforated / unscoring parts of.) For example, a part of the path of a continuous diagonally inclined rectangular perforation is placed along the path direction PD. With reference to FIG. 16 drawn in this way, the cut-land ratio is (L1 + L2 + L3) :( D1 + D2 + D3).

In another embodiment, the scoring pathway does not completely penetrate the film, such as that disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/02666663, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It may include a single uninterrupted laser scoring line configured to facilitate the propagation of well-ordered crevices along the path.

For both ease of opening and simplicity of manufacture, the gusset structure contains two or more layers (eg, three layers) of the packaging film and makes it difficult to propagate the crevices aligned along the path. It may be preferable that the perforations or scoring paths 60 defining the canopy structure 62 do not cross gussets (such as gussets 52b and 53b).

When the first side surface 41 of the laminate 40 is adjacent to either the first package surface 50 or the second package surface 51, the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth package surface 52 , 53, 54, and 55, any portion of the path 60 is 45 degrees or less, more preferably 30 degrees or less, even more preferably, with respect to the substantially plane of the first side surface 41 of the laminate 40. May be preferably oriented at an angle of 15 degrees or less, most preferably substantially parallel. This is because, as described above, when the package accommodates the laminate and maintains compression of the laminate along the stacking direction SD, the films on the package surfaces 52, 53, 54, and 55 are relative to this plane. This is because it is stretched along a substantially parallel direction. A perforation or scoring path 60 of any of the surfaces 52, 53, 54, and 55 substantially traversing the direction in which the film tension increases allows the consumer to open the package and access the contents. It increases the risk of the package being abruptly and prematurely opened (ruptured) at a position along path 60 prior to its intended purpose. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A, substantially all of the paths 60 present in one of the package surfaces 52, 53, 54, and / or 55 are substantially relative to the substantially plane of the surface 50. Oriented in parallel.

In some embodiments, the manufacturer may choose to create a non-linear or non-uniform linear path 60 of perforations or scoring within the package film. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, the path 60 has a portion 67 extending from a corner point 60a across a corner portion of the package to an end point 64. Part 67 follows a non-linear path across the fifth package surface 54. According to the principle reflected in the previous stage, the first straight line a connecting the corner point 60a and the end point 64 of the path 60 is established. A second straight line b is established parallel to each of the planes along the first and third sides 41, 43 of the laminate 40 in the package and intersecting the line a. Subsequently, the angle α at the intersection of the lines a and b can be measured, which reflects the extent to which the path 60 crosses the stacking direction SD. This method of measuring and determining the desired limitation of the angle of the perforations or scoring pathway 60 across the package surface applies to any pathway configuration for the purposes herein. For the reasons explained in the previous paragraph, the angle α may be preferably 45 degrees or less, more preferably 30 degrees or less, even more preferably 15 degrees or less, and most preferably about zero. Further, an angle α above zero as shown in FIG. 6B can provide a canopy structure 62 that opens relatively easily after the first package opening (which is the package surface adjacent to the end point 64 (eg, eg). (Obtained because the distance to the package surface 50) is relatively small), the free edge of the canopy structure 62 below the line a will receive less support within the canopy structure after opening. The free edge is less fixed (ie, more prone to flapping), which may be considered in some situations to be contrary to the purpose of providing sufficient reclosure.

Perforations or scoring paths 60 are provided on the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth package surfaces 52 to maintain the practicality of the package to serve as a container for unused products after opening. It may be desirable to leave an intact support band 70 extending across each of 53, 54, and 55 on the outer periphery of the package. The intact support band 70 is an uncut, perforated band of film material that circumscribes the laminate along a support plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the first side surface 41 of the laminate 40. For packages that should be effective containers, the support band 70 is positioned so that the perforated portion of the package film surrounds and accommodates the laminate 40 at least half or more of the height of the laminate. It may be desirable to do so. Therefore, the support band 70 is at least 50%, more preferably at least 55%, even more preferably at least 60% of the laminate height (SH) from the package surface 50 or 51 adjacent to the second side surface 42 of the laminate 40. It may be desirable to be located at the support band height BH. Further, which of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth package surfaces 52, 53, 54, and 55 between the support band 70 and the furthest parts of the first and second package surfaces 50, 51. The portion also has no perforations or scoring paths extending in the direction across the substantially plane of the first side surface 41 of the laminate 40, most preferably no perforations at all. It may be preferable.

For the purposes of this specification, the support band height BH urges the laminate 40 in the package from beginning to end in the package with respect to the first or second package surface 50 or 51 opposite the canopy structure 62. And then measured (without applying any substantial compression of the laminate height). When the laminate was urged to this position and the package was erected with its height vertical, the support band height BH was the perforation or scoring path 60 and (the package was erected as described). (While measuring in the state, the top will be closer to the apparent "bottom" of the canopy structure to be opened) with the first or second side surfaces 41, 42 of the laminate on the opposite side of the canopy structure. The minimum measurable distance between. See, for example, FIG. 7B.

As mentioned above, it may be desirable for the package to have a reclosing mechanism. According to consumer behavior experiments and observations, one of the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth package surfaces 52, 53, 54, 55, respectively, as proposed in FIGS. 6A and 7A. An open canopy structure 62 having three sides formed from one part and an upper end formed from one part of one of the first or second package surfaces 50, 51 provides airborne contaminants. It has been found that it can provide an effective and easy-to-handle cover that covers the supply of unused products, which can help prevent spills from entering the package. Surprisingly, these configurations have been found to essentially encourage consumers to recognize them as reclosing devices and use them as reclosing devices. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the canopy structure 62 has three sides formed from a portion of the package surfaces 52, 54, and 55, with an upper end formed by a portion of the first package surface 50. Will be done. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the canopy structure 62 is formed from a portion of the package surfaces 52, 53, and 54, with an upper end formed by a portion of the first package surface 50. When the consumer tears the package film completely along the perforation or scoring path 60, a canopy structure is formed. After opening, the canopy structure 62 can be reclosed by returning it to a position similar to that occupied by the rest of the package before opening.

According to consumer behavior experiments and observations, the canopy structure 62 quickly accesses most of the individual articles in the laminate 40 after opening the package without the need to use human fingers to reach deep into the package. It would be preferable to provide a recovery. From observation, the proximity of the fold tip to the opening reduces labor by facilitating quick tactile identification and gripping of individual products for withdrawal from laminates and packages, thus reducing consumer effort. It is considered to be preferred by. Therefore, in one embodiment shown in FIG. 6A (referred to herein as "long-short-long" or "LSL" path 60), portions 67, 68 of path 60 defining the canopy are package lengths. It may have at least 60% of the (PL), more preferably at least 65%, even more preferably at least 70% of the laminate direction path length PLSD. At the same time, it may be desirable for the canopy structure not to lift completely away from the top edge of the laminate, as it may reduce consumer awareness and use of the canopy structure as a reclosing / covering device. Therefore, in one example shown in FIG. 6A, portions 67,68 of the canopy-defining path 60 were limited to 95%, more preferably 90%, even more preferably 85% of the package length (PL). It may have a stack direction path length PLSD.

According to the experiments and observations referenced above, the canopy structure requires at least a minimal amount of material for the consumer to grasp and canopy over and pull on the unused supply of goods in the package. Is considered to prefer. Therefore, in order for the LSL canopy structure 62 as shown in FIG. 6A to have such an appearance and function, the structure must have a canopy height HH of at least 40 mm, more preferably at least 45 mm, and even more preferably at least 50 mm. May be desirable.

FIG. 7A shows an example of a route configuration (referred to herein as "short-long-short" or "SLS" route 60). The overall length of the laminate 40 is exposed for access at the time of opening along the perforation or scoring path 60, but the width of the laminate is only partially exposed. For the same reasons as described above, it may be desirable for the canopy structure 62 not to lift completely away from the upper end of the laminate. Therefore, in the SLS example shown in FIG. 7A, part of the path 60 defining the canopy structure is at least 25%, more preferably at least 35%, even more preferably at least 45% of the laminate width SW. , 75% or less, more preferably 60% or less, still more preferably 50% or less of the laminated body width SW, and even more preferably the width direction path length PLWD that does not extend beyond the side seams 52a and 53a. Can have.

For the same reasons as described above, in order for the SLS canopy structure 62 as shown in FIG. 7A to have such appearance and function, the structure be at least 50 mm, more preferably at least 60 mm, even more preferably at least 70 mm. It may be desirable to have a canopy height HH.

For the purposes of this specification, the canopy height HH urges the laminate 40 in the package from beginning to end in the package against the first or second package surface 50 or 51 opposite the canopy structure. Measured (without applying any substantial compression of laminate height). When the laminate is urged to this position and the package is erected with its height vertical, the canopy height HH is the position where the perforation or scoring path 60 crosses the package corner. While measuring with the package upright, the upper part will be closer to the apparent "upper part" of the canopy structure to be opened) of the first or second side portions 41, 42 of the laminate. The maximum measurable distance between the most recent part. See, for example, FIG. 7B.

In another embodiment, the package may include a combination of LSL path 60 and SLS path 60. Thus, referring to both FIGS. 6A and 7A, the perforated path 60 extends from the end point 65 on the package surface 55 as shown in FIG. 6A and extends completely over the entire package surfaces 52 and 54. It exists and can extend to the end point 65 on the package surface 53 as shown in FIG. 7A. This combination of perforated pathways can lead to two possible scenarios. The first scenario gives the consumer the option of making and using the canopy structure 62 via the LSL path 60 or the canopy structure 62 via the SLS path 60. The second scenario results in a more flexible canopy structure 62 that opens wider when the consumer tears the package along the combination of the LSL path 60 and the SLS path 60. In the present specification, additional routes are conceived to achieve the combination of the LSL route and the SLS route. The perforated path 60 of the first scenario is optionally either a tear stress distribution mechanism as described below with reference to FIG. 8, or an LSL path 60 or an SLS path 60 selected by the consumer when the package is opened. May be provided with other mechanisms to limit tearing.

In some examples, it may be preferable for the package to include some headspace within its interior and within the canopy structure. This is shown in FIG. 7B, where the headspace is drawn above the side surface 41 of the laminate 40 in the package. This provides some sagging film material within the canopy structure prior to package opening. This surplus material provided along the package height direction gives the consumer extra material for convenient gripping when reclosing the package using the canopy structure. In addition, the excess film material along the package height direction allows the consumer to perforate the canopy structure over the laminate, above and beyond the support band 70, and / or above the bottom of the package. Alternatively, pull down the scoring path and easily and conveniently overlay a portion of the canopy film material on top of the film material below the path 60 to make the product's unused supply more complete within the package. It is possible to provide a good resealing and a more complete coating.

With reference to FIG. 8, a consumer opening the package tears the package film beyond the perforations or scoring path 60 endpoints 64, 65 to deform the package film and / or put the canopy structure 62 into practical use. It may be desirable to include a tactilely perceptible tear stress distribution mechanism 69 in close proximity to one or both of the endpoints 64, 65 in order to reduce the possibility of reduced sex. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the tear stress distribution mechanism 69 serves to disperse the tear stress concentrated at the endpoints and prevent tear propagation in a manner that can be tactilely perceived by the consumer opening the package. A semi-circular perforation or cut that traverses the direction of path 60. The tear stress distribution mechanism 69 may have other forms of cuts or perforations extending across the direction of the path 60 and through the film, including additional reinforcing strips, tapes, and the like. Will be understood.

The stress distribution mechanism may also be located at various points along the perforation or scoring path in addition to the end points. This approach allows for relatively small openings and canopy structures. For example, some consumers (eg, hygiene-sensitive consumers who seek to minimize the opening of packaging for protection, or those who make the least effort to open and close the package) may use the LSL route, or The corner lift realized by the combination of LSL and SLS path is used. While these paths allow corner lifts, the adoption of stress distribution mechanisms can maintain the desired dimensions of the openings and corresponding canopy structures.

Experiments and observations of consumer behavior suggest that consumers prefer immediate access to the sides of the laminate 40, the first side surface 41, where the single fold tip 30 of the diaper resides. .. This may be because consumers find it easiest to quickly identify, grab and pull out a single product item from a laminate by the tactile sensation of a single fold tip. On the contrary, it is generally more difficult to tactilely distinguish multiple lateral and lumbar edges of a single folded diaper in a laminate from that of an adjacent diaper in the laminate. This preference may further indicate that all fold tips of the laminate are present on only one side of the laminate, i.e., only on one of the sides 41, 42. Perforations or scoring paths 60, as well as portions 66, 67, and 68 thereof, are adjacent to a single fold tip of the diaper in the laminate 40 for the easiest access for the consumer to the fold tip. The canopy structure 62 is placed generally closer to one of the surface of the package, eg, one of the surfaces 50, 51, thereby bringing the canopy structure 62 closer to the first side surface 41 of the laminate 40, and preferably the surface. It may be desirable to position it so that it is in close contact with the folded tip.

When defined by the folded tip 30, the first side surface 41 of the laminate 40 is often flatter and stronger than the opposing second side surface 42. For marketing purposes, it is possible to design a package in which one of the large surfaces 54, 55 is expected to face outward (ie, face the aisle) when the package is placed on a retail store shelf. It may be preferable. In doing so, consumers will be able to see one of the large surfaces where more commercial artwork, graphics, and product information can be engraved with more surface area. Thus, in the package and laminate, the first side surface 41 of the laminate 40 with the fold tip is located at the "bottom" of the package when placed on a shelf to form its shape, and the side edges of the diaper. The sides of the laminate comprising the portions 34, 35 can be configured to be adjacent to large surfaces 54, 55, respectively, where the package is substantially vertical when based on its "bottom". The stronger, flatter first side surface 41 of the laminate 40 provides a stronger, flatter package "bottom" that improves the ability of the package to be stably placed on the shelves to prevent tilting and / or tipping over. do. For this reason, it is desirable to position the perforations or scoring paths 60 defining the canopy structure 62 closer to the "bottom" of the package so that the canopy structure is defined closer to the first side surface of the laminate. In some cases. The visible language and graphic information on the sides 54 and 55 can be arranged so that the package faces upward and is readable when the package is placed with the first side of the laminate facing down.

It may be desirable to provide one or more markings on the package that visually, tactilely, and / or linguistically identify the location of the perforation or scoring path 60. One or more markings include an engraved path marking or tracing the path 60, a tactilely perceptible mark, a linguistic mark, or other graphic in a color that visually contrasts with the surrounding package print. Marks, or any combination thereof, may be mentioned, but not limited to these. In one embodiment, the markings are configured to provide raised and tactilely perceptible features, suggesting the presence of perforations or scoring pathways 60 for opening, embossing of the film, or Other surface structuring can be included. In certain embodiments, the embossing can be configured to suggest one or more ridges that follow a line or path that is close to and parallel to the path 60. In another particular embodiment, the embossing can be configured to suggest one or more stitch lines or paths that follow a path close to and parallel to the path 60. In addition, the package is linguistically instructing or encouraging the consumer to flip the package for opening and / or storage, with the perceived "top" side down and the "bottom" side up. Alternatively, a graphic mark can be included. Further or, in some examples, the commercial artwork, graphics, and linguistic information printed on the film of the package is on any of the surface 50, 51 of the package when the package is placed on a horizontal plane. It can be configured to have an upright appearance regardless of whether or not it is arranged in an upright position. In some examples, the printed material can be configured to suggest that any of the surfaces 50, 51 can be properly considered to be the "top" of the package.

The characteristics of tactilely perceptible marks and / or graphical marks may vary significantly. Marks can extend shorter, substantially the same, or longer lengths compared to the length of the perforations or scoring pathways. In one embodiment, a combination of a tactilely perceptible mark and a graphical mark with different lengths of the two types of marks is used. That is, the graphic mark may be included in a first length that does not interfere with the overall visual impression of the artwork in the package, and the tactilely perceptible mark is a second length that is longer than the first length. Included in length. Instead of or in addition to each of these extended lengths, the positioning of the two types of markings may differ on one or more package surfaces. For example, graphic markings are primarily on the sides (eg, one of the third or fourth package surfaces) and optionally on adjacent sides (eg, of the fifth and sixth package surfaces). One, as well as the corners of the package), may be partially present, while tactilely perceptible markings are on the surface of the main package (eg, one of the fifth and sixth package surfaces). exist. In this scenario, the consumer's eye is attracted to a graphic mark pointing to where the perforation or scoring path is located to help initiate the package opening process, followed by the consumer's continuation. Tactilely perceptible markings can be used that guide the opening process to the desired degree of perfection. By strategically positioning the graphic markings, the artwork associated with the surface of the main package for marketing and educational purposes is not overly disturbed by the graphic markings. Thus, in one embodiment, the package can include a first shape that includes branding and marketing elements and a second shape that highlights the perforation or scoring path, where the first. The figure 2 does not intersect the branding and marketing elements.

Other features of the mark may change. For example, graphic markings may have various colors, shades, and / or dimensions. Also, the tactilely perceptible marks may have various dimensions (eg, embossing depth), saturation, frequency, and the like. These properties may change, such as gradual changes, or may change gradually, such as in a gradient pattern.

So far, the present disclosure has focused on the form of packages that include perforations or scoring pathways, but alternative forms follow the SLS pathway, the LSL pathway, or a combination of the SLS pathway and the LSL pathway. Mechanical fastening means can be used to both open and reclose the package. Examples of suitable mechanical fastening means include zipper and tongue-and-groove closures.

With reference to the larger package 49 of FIGS. 9-11, it may be desirable for the package to include a transport handle 80. In one embodiment, the transport handle 80 can be formed from strips of polymer film. In a more specific embodiment, the strips may have their length dimensions oriented along the stack direction SD. The strip can be joined to the package or part of the package film by any suitable mechanism. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the transport handle 80 can be formed as an extension of the fins 51c extending from the end seam 51 of the package. The end seam fin 51c can have a handle cutout 81 that is made through it to provide a transport handle 80.

Also, as proposed in FIGS. 9-14, various configurations and positions of perforations or scoring pathways 60 have been conceived, which can be included in plural and in any combination. However, as described above, it is desirable that the package includes at least the configuration and position of the path 60 that defines the canopy structure in close proximity to the side 41 or 42 of the laminate 40 defined by the fold tip in the package. There is. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, when the first side surface 41 of the laminated body is defined by the folded tip portion and faces downward, the configuration of the path 60 is close to the bottom portion of the package. It may be desirable to define the canopy structure.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be understood to be strictly limited to the exact numbers given. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the stated value and the functionally equivalent range around that value.

All documents cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patents or applications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. Incorporated in. No citation of any document is considered prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or when combined with it alone or in combination with any other reference. Is not considered to teach, suggest, or disclose any invention. In addition, if any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with the meaning or definition of the same term in the document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document applies. Shall be.

Having illustrated and described specific embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other modifications and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, all such modifications and amendments included within the scope of the present invention are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (8)

A package containing multiple disposable absorbent articles
A flexible polymeric film that encloses and wraps a laminate of folded disposable articles, thereby taking a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape to form the package, the package facing in a first direction. A first surface that defines the package width, a second surface that is adjacent to the first surface and faces the second direction and defines the package length, and the first surface and the second surface. A film comprising a plurality of outward facing surfaces, including a corner intersection with a surface.
A perforation or scoring pathway in the film that facilitates opening of the packaging, said pathway so as to define a canopy structure that can be reclosed after its first opening for the package. A path and a path that extends a first length shorter than the entire perimeter of the package,
Includes graphical markings that are located close to the perforation or scoring path and extend a second length.
The second length is shorter than the first length,
The graphic marking extends a percentage of the package width along the first surface, along the corner intersection, and a percentage of the package length along the second surface. death,
A package in which the proportion of the package width is greater than the proportion of the package length. The perforation or scoring path comprises first and second endpoints, and at least one of the first and second endpoints, preferably both, comprises a tear stress distribution mechanism, claim 1. The listed package. The package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the perforation or scoring pathway comprises a perforation pathway having a cut-land ratio of at least 0.67: 1 and 3: 1 or less. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the perforation or scoring pathway does not cross the gusset structure. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the film is a multilayer film. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a transport handle arranged adjacent to one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the laminate. 6. The package of claim 6, comprising end seam fins extending from the surface of the second package, the transport handle being formed from an extension of the end seam fins. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of disposable absorbent articles include a bi-fold diaper.

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